What is API technology
API ie Air-independent propulsion, this is the technology that equips any non-nuclear submarine with the ability to operate even without oxygen in the atmosphere. API technology is considered very powerful. This technology makes an ordinary submarine much more powerful than a nuclear submarine. Submarines equipped with this technology have the power to destroy the enemy silently.
Manjhgaon Dockyard has already built six Kalavari class submarines. All these submarines are submarines of the French Scorpion class. In March 2024, the sixth submarine of the same class, INS Vagshir, will be inducted into the Navy. The three submarines with AIP will be developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). But their testing will be done from the French side. After this, this AIP will be fitted in the Kalavari class submarine.
Australia will get submarine
Aucus, an organization of America, Australia and UK, is currently engaged in the construction of submarines equipped with nuclear capability. America and the UK together will prepare these submarines for Australia. These submarines will be deployed off the west coast of Australia before the year 2027. India is also now eyeing to strengthen its submarine fleet. In this direction, three nuclear capable and conventionally armed submarines will be built together with France.
nuclear strike force
The latest example is the 4765 tonne Barracuda class submarine. France had offered this nuclear capable submarine to India in the year 2021. The US will sell Virginia-class submarines to Australia under the AUCS deal. These submarines will be handed over to Australia by the year 2030. Along with this, Australia will also have the option to produce two more submarines. These submarines will be built jointly with Britain. The Virginia-class submarines will be powered by nuclear reactors while carrying 97 percent of their conventional warheads that will be enriched uranium.
how many submarines does china have
Submarines capable of nuclear attack will take some time to arrive. India is yet to receive a nuclear attack submarine from Russia. This submarine is going to be received under an agreement. Under this contract, this new submarine will be inducted by the year 2025, replacing INS Chakra. According to defense experts, India needs to strengthen its submarine fleet. China’s navy is continuously getting stronger. It currently has eight Jin class submarines that are equipped with the capability of nuclear ballistic missiles. It also has 12 Shang and Han class nuclear attack submarines.